Carbon Neutrality and Energy Transition in the Digital Era

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

To cope with the challenges to sustainability brought on by global warming, countries around the world are actively cooperating and developing strategies to promote energy transition and reduce carbon emissions. The Paris Agreement defines the goal of achieving global carbon neutrality by 2065–2070 and also sets a clear path for international cooperation to pursue carbon neutrality. The pursuit of carbon neutrality means a shift from an energy system dominated by fossil fuels to renewables, and a shift from a carbon-intensive model of development to a low-carbon one. In addition, digital technology is increasingly embedded in the link between energy systems and economic and social development, and digital technology can help to promote the realization of the goal of energy system transformation and low-carbon development. The transition of the energy system brings the challenge of an unstable energy supply, while the low-carbon transition has the risks inherent to all transitions. The instability of new energy systems and the uncertainty of the low-carbon transition can be greatly reduced if digital technologies are used effectively. The pursuit of carbon neutrality in the digital age presents new opportunities, but it is also faced with the challenge of a surging energy demand. Hence, more research is needed on carbon neutrality and energy transformation in the digital age. This Topic will focus on economics, management science, geographic information, and energy science or related research, and examine the progress of global carbon neutrality and energy transition in the digital age through econometric empirical analysis, regional simulation, systems science, and energy engineering. The Topic will focus on the challenges of transforming energy systems and low-carbon development in the digital age and its digital solutions, supporting technologies, and management strategies. This topic welcomes innovative research into advancing carbon-neutral processes and developing low-carbon transition in the digital age, and will consider papers using methods such as data analysis, data science, predictive models, systems optimization, etc.; all methods or application challenges are welcome.

Dr. Huwei Wen
Dr. Lei Jiang
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Economies economies	2.6	3.2	2013	21.4 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Energies energies	3.2	5.5	2008	16.1 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.9	5.8	2009	18.8 Days	CHF 2400	Submit

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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23 pages, 1327 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Can the Synergy of Digitalization and Servitization Boost Carbon-Related Manufacturing Productivity? Evidence from China’s Provincial Panel Data

by Gang Li, Yanan Chen and Yan Cheng

Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2655; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072655 - 24 Mar 2024

Viewed by 472

Abstract

With the goal of carbon peaking and neutrality, carbon productivity has become a means of sustainability in manufacturing, and the impact of the synergy of digitalization and servitization (DSS) on carbon productivity (CP) deserves in-depth study. Based on data with respect to manufacturing [...] Read more.

With the goal of carbon peaking and neutrality, carbon productivity has become a means of sustainability in manufacturing, and the impact of the synergy of digitalization and servitization (DSS) on carbon productivity (CP) deserves in-depth study. Based on data with respect to manufacturing in 30 provinces in China from 2013 to 2020, a coupled coordination degree model is used to calculate the degree of manufacturing coordination. A regression effect model is used to explore the intrinsic mechanism of the impact of DSS on CP. The main results show the following: (1) The DSS in manufacturing positively contributes to enhancing CP, and there are non-linear features in both. (2) Technological innovation can contribute to the impact of DSS on CP, as does industry structure, and there is a mediating effect between the two. (3) When economic growth is used as the threshold, DSS and CP reflect a positive “U” relationship. Based on the above findings, policy recommendations are made to promote the sustainable development of manufacturing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon Neutrality and Energy Transition in the Digital Era)

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21 pages, 2622 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Examination of Green Productivity in China’s Mining Industry: An In-Depth Exploration of the Role and Impact of Digital Economy

by Chuandi Fang, Yue Yuan, Jiahao Chen, Da Gao and Jing Peng

Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010463 - 4 Jan 2024

Viewed by 984

Abstract

Faced with the challenges of increasing demand and expanding emissions, China’s mining industry is at a crucial stage of sustainable development. In the context of the new technological revolution and industrial transformation, researching how the digital economy can promote the growth of green [...] Read more.

Faced with the challenges of increasing demand and expanding emissions, China’s mining industry is at a crucial stage of sustainable development. In the context of the new technological revolution and industrial transformation, researching how the digital economy can promote the growth of green total factor productivity (GTFP) in China’s mining industry, particularly against the backdrop of technological diversity, is vital for achieving sustainable development and carbon neutrality goals. This study utilizes the meta-frontier Malmquist–Luenberger (MML) index to analyze the dynamics of GTFP in China’s mining industry under technological heterogeneity. It thoroughly examines the direct and indirect impacts of the digital economy (DE) on GTFP and delves into the underlying mechanisms of these effects using the spatial Durbin model. The empirical results reveal a significant positive relationship between DE and GTFP, particularly pronounced in the areas of technical efficiency and technological catch-up. Notably, this study identifies the mediating role of industrial structural upgrading in linking DE and GTFP. Additionally, the observed spatial spillover effect of DE on local mining GTFP suggests that the influence of DE extends beyond the immediate regions within the mining sector. Based on these findings, the study presents policy recommendations, emphasizing the need to integrate cutting-edge digital technologies in mining to enhance environmental sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon Neutrality and Energy Transition in the Digital Era)

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20 pages, 590 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Can Digital Finance Contribute to Agricultural Carbon Reduction? Evidence from China

by Yangjie Liao and Xiaokun Zhou

Sustainability 2023, 15(22), 15824; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152215824 - 10 Nov 2023

Viewed by 890

Abstract

The existing research covers digital finance’s carbon reduction impacts in industrial and urban settings, however, leaving a gap in understanding its effects in agriculture. This study addresses this gap by examining the relationship and mechanism between digital finance and agricultural carbon reduction. Two [...] Read more.

The existing research covers digital finance’s carbon reduction impacts in industrial and urban settings, however, leaving a gap in understanding its effects in agriculture. This study addresses this gap by examining the relationship and mechanism between digital finance and agricultural carbon reduction. Two hypotheses are proposed to guide the study: (1) The development of digital finance could reduce agricultural carbon emissions; (2) The development of digital finance could significantly promote agricultural green innovation, empowering agricultural carbon emission reduction. By employing panel data spanning 31 provinces from 2011 to 2020, we empirically investigate the relationship between digital finance development and a reduction in agricultural carbon emissions. The results indicate that digital financial development significantly reduces agricultural carbon emissions. Mechanism analysis further elucidates the pivotal role of digital finance in facilitating agricultural green innovation, resulting in a decline in agricultural carbon emissions. Additionally, heterogeneity analysis reveals that the impact of digital finance on agricultural carbon emission reduction is particularly pronounced in regions with higher income levels and greater educational attainment. The study offers empirical evidence on the nexus between digital finance and agricultural carbon emissions, from a developing country perspective. It could provide innovative ideas and experiences from China for global agricultural low-carbon development practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon Neutrality and Energy Transition in the Digital Era)

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20 pages, 2222 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Study on Regional Differences of Carbon Emission Efficiency: Evidence from Chinese Construction Industry

by Senchang Hu, Shaoyi Li, Xiangxin Meng, Yingzheng Peng and Wenzhe Tang

Energies 2023, 16(19), 6882; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16196882 - 29 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 688

Abstract

The escalating issue of global climate change necessitates urgent measures to reduce carbon emissions globally. Within this context, the construction industry emerges as a critical sector to address given its high energy consumption, substantial CO₂ emissions, and low utilization rate. Therefore, it [...] Read more.

The escalating issue of global climate change necessitates urgent measures to reduce carbon emissions globally. Within this context, the construction industry emerges as a critical sector to address given its high energy consumption, substantial CO₂ emissions, and low utilization rate. Therefore, it is pivotal to foster energy conservation and reduce emissions in this sector. To this end, this paper delineates two primary objectives: (1) identifying optimal research methodologies and index parameters for evaluating carbon emission efficiency in the construction industry, and (2) assessing the variance in carbon emission efficiency at disparate stages and regions. Leveraging the Malmquist index, we scrutinize the carbon emission data from 30 Chinese provinces spanning from 2010 to 2019. Our findings indicate a geographical dichotomy in China’s construction industry’s carbon emission efficiency—lower in the west and higher in the east. Additionally, this study delves into the distinguishing features of emission efficiency alterations across regions, the main influencing factors, and avenues for enhancement. Subsequently, it proposes policy recommendations tailored to the unique attributes of various regions and the overarching framework. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon Neutrality and Energy Transition in the Digital Era)

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19 pages, 2233 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Can Fintech Lead to the Collaborative Reduction in Pollution Discharges and Carbon Emissions?

by Huwei Wen and Yutong Liu

Sustainability 2023, 15(15), 11627; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151511627 - 27 Jul 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1097

Abstract

Pollutants and greenhouse gases are major challenges to regional and global sustainability, respectively, and regulatory policies always target one of them. Using panel data, including those of fintech, economy, society, and environment for the prefecture-level cities in China, this study aimed to investigate [...] Read more.

Pollutants and greenhouse gases are major challenges to regional and global sustainability, respectively, and regulatory policies always target one of them. Using panel data, including those of fintech, economy, society, and environment for the prefecture-level cities in China, this study aimed to investigate the role of fintech in regional pollution control and carbon emission reduction. It was found that fintech not only significantly reduces pollutant and carbon dioxide emissions, but can also significantly promote the coordination between pollution control and carbon reduction. This study also adopted a pilot policy of integrating technology and finance for a differences-in-differences regression and identified the causal effects of fintech on the collaborative reduction in pollution and carbon emissions. In addition, innovation factors play a crucial role in the collaborative implementation process of pollution control and carbon reduction driven by fintech. Specifically, fiscal technology expenditure and regional innovation have significant moderating effects on pollution control and carbon reduction, while green innovation has a significant mediating effect. Our findings contribute to optimizing financial and regulatory policies, thereby enabling fintech to leverage the momentum of regional pollution control and carbon reduction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon Neutrality and Energy Transition in the Digital Era)

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18 pages, 1247 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Renewable Energy: A Curse or Blessing—International Evidence

by Ruoxuan Li, Huwei Wen, Xinpeng Huang and Yaobin Liu

Sustainability 2023, 15(14), 11103; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151411103 - 17 Jul 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 991

Abstract

The development of renewable energy has effectively promoted the process of reaching global carbon neutrality. However, the academic community has not reached a consensus on whether the development of renewable energy will inhibit economic growth. The crux of the debate centers around whether [...] Read more.

The development of renewable energy has effectively promoted the process of reaching global carbon neutrality. However, the academic community has not reached a consensus on whether the development of renewable energy will inhibit economic growth. The crux of the debate centers around whether renewable energy paradigms ignore differences in the structure of factor endowments across countries. The panel data of 125 countries from 1990 to 2021 were used to perform group regression for countries with different factor endowment structures. The results show that the renewable energy curse of developed countries becomes stronger and weaker with economic development; the renewable energy curse in developing countries is growing with economic growth; and the economic development of countries with poor natural resources is more vulnerable to the negative impact of renewable energy development. The group regression results of different development stages of renewable energy show that the negative impact of renewable energy development on economic development is not significant in the early stage, but that it has significant impacts in the growth and maturity stage. The mechanism test found that the development of renewable energy affected changes in trade structure and inhibited economic growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon Neutrality and Energy Transition in the Digital Era)

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